The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Stream on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in the year 2029, marking the newest significant shift in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that it finalized a extended contract granting the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been broadcast for a half a century on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the show will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is a further substantial shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with drastic production cuts.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this collaboration will allow us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be advantageous for our membership and the film community," said organization heads in a statement.
Over decades, ratings of the ceremony have declined, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers watching from smartphones and desktops.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "a key essential cultural touchstones" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of artistic expression and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".
ABC, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, stated that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
The move comes as film industry giants deal with complex corporate battles. Both options were considered unfavourable for an sector that has seen severe reductions over the past several years.
Like major studios, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the audience has chosen digital platforms instead.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that reliance on digital platforms will carry on to grow.
